Swimming pool steps having integrated spa

ABSTRACT

A drop in step unit for either an above ground or inground pool, the drop in step unit comprising a lower tread, a middle tread, and an upper tread, and a lower riser, a middle riser and an upper riser, the upper riser having a plurality of jets which are connected to the outlet line of the pool pump, and a pulsating member located on the outlet line to thereby give a massaging effect.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to swimming pools, and more particularly, relates to an improvement in swimming pool steps.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of swimming pool steps in the form of a molded modular unit which may be placed in either an above ground or below ground swimming pool is well known in the art. These steps may be held in place by means of suitable weights or, in the case of below ground swimming pools they may be attached permanently by use of conventional mechanical fasteners.

Similarly, the use of hydrotherapy in conjunction with spa like apparatuses is well known and widely practiced. Thus, there are available on the market many hot tubs or spas which have a number of jets into which water is pumped under pressure to create a massage effect on a person seated in the spa or hot tub. Generally, such devices are expensive and require a separate plumbing hook up as well as electrical supply for heating the water and operating the pump.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a unit which can function both as a stair unit and also as a hydro massage unit.

According to one aspect of the present invention, in a pool having a water circulation system including a pump inlet line and a pump outlet line, there is provided the improvement of a drop in pool step unit comprising first and second sidewalls, at least three steps including a lower tread, a middle tread, and an upper tread, and a lower riser, a middle riser and an upper riser, a plurality of jets located in the upper riser, the jets being connected to the pump outlet line, and a pulsating unit mounted on the pump outlet line.

Preferably, the drop in step unit of the present invention is formed of a molded plastic material such as is well known in the art.

As mentioned above, the drop in step unit of the present invention may be used in either an above ground pool or an inground pool. Generally, such step units for inground pools are placed at the shallow end. Accordingly, the number of steps may vary depending upon the pool depth.

The pulsating means employed on the inlet line may be any conventional as such pulsating units are well known in the art. Similarly, the use of an air line is also known in the field of spas and the air may either be fed to the jet or to other another areas in the riser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus generally described the invention, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings illustrating an embodiment thereof, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a swimming pool step unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view thereof; and

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view thereof.

Referring to the drawings in greater detail and by reference characters thereto, there is illustrated a pool step unit which is generally designated by reference numeral 10.

Pool step unit 10 is designed to be placed in either an above ground or inground swimming pool to provide access thereto. The unit may have different configurations adapted to either a straight sidewall or a curved sidewall or alternatively, as a corner unit.

Step unit 10 has a first sidewall 12 and a second sidewall 14 between which there are formed a plurality of steps. In the illustrated embodiment, there is provided a lower tread 16, a middle tread 18, and a top tread 20. In conjunction with the above, there is provided a lower riser 22, a middle riser 24, and a top riser 26.

Mounted in top riser 26 are a plurality of jets 28, 30 and 32. As may be seen from the rear view of FIG. 2, there is provided a pump outlet line 34 which connects to a three way diverter valve 36.

As may be seen in FIG. 1, the drop in pool step unit is utilized in conjunction with a pump 40 operatively associated with a filter 38. A pump inlet line 42 is normally connected to the skimmer inlet. On the pump outlet line 34, there is provided a pulsating unit 44 which is designed to generate pulses of water in a known manner.

In conjunction with the above, there may be provided a central air inlet line 50 which supplies air lines 52, 54 and 56.

On the lower tread 16 there are provided first and second positioning members 46 and 48 where a person desiring to enjoy the hydrotherapy will position themselves.

It is understood that the above described embodiments are for purposes of illustration only and that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention. 

1. In a pool having a water circulation system including a pump, a pump inlet line and a pump outlet line, the improvement comprising a drop in pool step unit, said drop in pool step unit comprising: first and second sidewalls, at least three steps including a lower tread, a middle tread, and an upper tread, and a lower riser, a middle riser and an upper riser; a plurality of jets located in said upper riser, said jets being connected to said pump outlet line; and a pulsating unit mounted on said pump outlet line.
 2. The improvement of claim 1 wherein said drop in pool step unit is formed of a molded plastic material.
 3. The improvement of claim 1 further including first and second positioning members located below said middle tread.
 4. The improvement of claim 3 wherein said first and second positioning members extend upwardly from said lower tread.
 5. The improvement of claim 1 further including an air inlet line extending to said jets to provide compressed air thereto. 